It seems the lack of sleep at Bukit Lawang has taken its
toll, I slept a clean 14 hours last night. We finally woke in the heat of the
day at 10am. Once again there is no ATM machines for miles, I'm pretty sure
most people here don't even know what an ATM machine is... so we are in the
middle of financial politics. Baring in mind we need to save enough money to
find some sort of transport back to medan, we are left with 15,000rp each per
meal (about £1), no more luxury items for us.
We waffle down a breakfast of toast and coffee, then change
into some lighter clothes and head for the river. Walking far up the river, in
hope to put some distance between us and gawking locals, we find a nice spot to
settle down. With some disco music blaring from the speaker, we swim, draw and
read. Bringing disco to the jungle! Soon enoigh the locals catch up, requesting
photographs with us or simply sitting at a distance and staring.
We had lunch at a nice place overlooking the river, then we
was pointed in the direction of a hot spring, a tiny little steaming cave on
the side of the river. Uncomfortably hot water and the distinct smell of egg.
Although eventually I got used to the heat and smell, enjoying the first hot
water in weeks.
We got stuck on the far side of the river, missing the last
boat back across. Some locals offered us a ride in their inflated truck tires,
we accepted gratefully. Holding my bag above my head, with tablet pc and £500 camera
inside, we are pulled across the river, arses in the water, by a couple of
locals fighting to swim again the current.
Tangkahan
Exploring the river
Tree frogs
Sarah reading
No comments:
Post a Comment